Honda Civic: 50 Years of Evolution

Published on July 18, 2022 in Galleries by The Car Guide

Honda is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the iconic Civic—the automaker’s longest-running nameplate and its best-selling vehicle of all-time with around 30 million units sold in 170 countries since the original launch in 1972 (1973 in Canada). This includes 14.5 million units in North America where the Civic has won multiple Car of the Year awards.

There have been 11 generations over these five decades, all aimed at delivering a reliable, fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive compact car. In addition to the four-door sedan, Honda has offered a two-door coupe, three- and five-door hatchbacks and even a wagon. The all-new 2023 Civic Type R will be the most powerful Civic ever, and the Civic Hybrid will make a comeback in the medium term.

“Civic has deep roots in Canada, it’s been embraced by all ages and lifestyles, it’s built locally in Alliston, Ontario, and it’s been incredibly popular since its inception,” said Steve Hui, Assistant Vice President at Honda Canada. “As Canada’s best-selling car for almost half of its existence, we are appreciative and thankful for the trust and loyalty Canadians have placed in Honda and the iconic Civic.”

Here’s a look at 50 years of Honda Civic evolution. Which generation is your favourite?

1st generation - 1973 Honda Civic

1st generation - 1973 Honda Civic

2nd generation - 1980 Honda Civic Hatchback

2nd generation - 1980 Honda Civic

3rd generation - 1984 Honda Civic

3rd generation - 1984 Honda Civic Hatchback

3rd generation - 1985 Honda Civic Wagon

3rd generation - 1986 Honda Civic CRX Si 

4th generation - 1988 Honda Civic

4th generation - 1988 Honda Civic CRX Si

4th generation - 1989 Honda Civic Si

5th generation - 1993 Honda Civic

5th generation - 1993 Honda Civic Coupe

5th generation - 1993 Honda Civic Hatchback Si

5th generation - 1993 Honda Civic Del Sol Si

6th generation - 1997 Honda Civic

6th generation - 1997 Honda Civic Coupe

7th generation - 2001 Honda Civic

7th generation - 2001 Honda Civic Coupe

8th generation - 2006 Honda Civic

8th generation - 2006 Honda Civic Coupe

9th generation - 2012 Honda Civic Si

9th generation - 2012 Honda Civic Coupe

10th generation - 2016 Honda Civic

10th generation - 2016 Honda Civic Coupe

10th generation - 2017 Honda Civic Type R

11th generation - 2022 Honda Civic

11th generation - 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback